All They Wanted (Wanted 5.6)

“I don’t know,” I replied with a shrug. “Heather and Josh are going to be so busy with twins, we’ll have another baby, before you know it Ellie and Gunner will be popping out another one. What if we all get so busy in our own worlds, we lose this?” I lifted my arms and motioned around me. “Time together as friends.”

With a huge grin, he kissed the back of my hand. “Ari, we’re still going to have that. It will just be with little ones running around.”

Another tear slipped from my eye. “I don’t want us to drift apart. I want our kids to grow up together and be the best of friends. I want to hear them argue like you and Josh do.”

“They will, baby.”

Chewing on my lip, I sighed. “Damn pregnancy emotions.”

He laughed and started rowing again. “Jeff, promise me some day we’ll be back here again. All of us, but this time it will be with our kids.”

With a wink, he replied, “I’ll do you one better. How about if we’re here with our kids, and their kids.”

My stomach fluttered. “I like that promise.”

I watched as my husband’s eyes filled with water. “So do I.”

Glancing to my right, I couldn’t help but smile as I watched Heather, Ellie, and Ari all sitting around the fire. Each of them had their noses buried in a book. Gus sat at their feet snoring away.

“It’s nice seeing them relax, isn’t it?” Gunner said.

I nodded. “Yeah. Hey, we need more firewood. Want to drive up to the store with me?”

“Sure. I’ll let the girls know we’re leaving.”

I hit him on the back. “I’ll see if Josh wants to go.”

Gunner started toward the girls. “Sounds good. Meet you back at your truck.”

As I made my way over to Josh, I couldn’t but notice how deep in thought he was.

“Gunner and I are headed up to the park store for more wood. You want to come along?”

His head lifted as he answered, “Sure.”

“What’s that?” I asked, peeking over to something he was sketching out.

Sliding it my way, he answered, “Your baby’s furniture.”

I lifted the paper up and was blown away by what he had drawn. “Holy shit, this is amazing.”

“Think Ari will like it?” Josh asked as he stood.

I lifted my eyes to his. “Dude, you know she was only kidding. She knows how busy you are.”

“I know, but I feel really bad for hitting her in the eye.”

My chest tightened as I glanced back at the drawing. “Are you being serious? You’re really making this for us?”

“Yeah. Of course I am,” he replied with a grin.

I’d never admit to anyone, especially Josh, but I was beyond moved by his gesture. “Dude, this is incredible. Ari’s going to flip.”

“So you think she’ll be happy with it?”

I looked back at the design. “Josh, I’m kind of at a loss for words right now.”

“Well hell, let me snap shot this moment into my memory. Jeff at a loss of words.”